Do you recommend using cold or heat therapy for post TT patients?

Question

I've been told by a few tt patients that applying a cold pack will reduce swelling. They used a different doctor than I've chosen. My tt surgeon's pre-op instructions says not to use cold or hot therapy to the area. What is your take on this? tysm

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear CurseBeGone,

Typically, cold packs are used
postoperatively in patients to quell swelling. Typically, this has only
beneficial the first 48 hours. You need to be judicious though on a tummy tuck
because it could cause constriction of the blood vessels supplying the flap
just below the bellybutton. In addition, I have actually seen patients overdo
it and give themselves frostbite on the skin. If you are unsure, you are best
off doing nothing.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Cold therapy will deprive your skin of blood supply (which is the reason why it sets back inflammation a bit) but you don't want this to happen as depriving blood supply can lead to healing delays and even opening of the wound. Beware of hot therapy, you cannot fell anything in your midline beneath your navel (this is normal in all tummy tucks), applying hot therapy may lead to serious burns from not being able to feel the pain. Ask your PS, remember the job does not end with the surgery, follow up is still part of the procedure. Hope to have been of some help, good luck

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

First and foremost, follow the instructions of YOUR surgeon.  Personally, I have my patients wear compression garments and not use hot or cold therapy.  The skin has been lifted and blood supply is very imported for healing.  I don't like to take the chance that a patient could over use hot or cold therapy and compromise the blood supply.

Do you recommend using cold or heat therapy for post TT patients?

Answers (3)

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